Decision Time: Golden Tate, Notre Dame

By Mark Zavodnyik

Why Golden Tate made the right decision to turn pro.

1. Strike while the iron is hot: Tate has been one of the most exciting players in college football this season. He led the Fighting Irish in receiving with 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns, and his average of 124.7 receiving yards per game was third best in the nation. Tate’s productivity has been recognized as he is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given out annually to the best receiver in the country. Going forward, it is hard to imagine Tate having a better year in college than the one he just completed. When Tate announced his decision to turn pro at a news conference on Monday, he mentioned how his performance this year played a role in his decision, “After having the year that I had, I'm not sure if I can even do much better, so I just feel like it was the right time,” Tate said. “Go out while you're hot, you know?”

2. Changes at Notre Dame: If Tate had stayed for his senior year at Notre Dame he would have had to get to know a new head coach as well as that coach’s offensive system. It seems impossible that he would be able to repeat, let alone match his performance from 2009 in that new system. More importantly, there will be a new quarterback at Notre Dame in 2010. The chemistry between Jimmy Clausen and Tate over the past two seasons has been a big factor in the development of both players. Tate was Clausen’s security blanket and his deep threat. Tate finished the season averaging 7.8 receptions per game, good for seventh in the nation. That average would not be equaled with a new quarterback next year.

Zavodnyik’s Take: There is plenty of evidence to show that Tate is an electric, game-changing player. The timing of his decision makes sense considering that he would be starting over with a new system, coach, and quarterback next season. The most important element for Tate’s draft status is going to be his 40-yard-dash time at the NFL Combine. He could be selected late in the first round of the draft if he proves to have top-end speed.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Decision Time: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

Mark Zavodnyik

Why Jimmy Clausen made the right decision to turn pro.

1. Unlikely senior year will be more productive: Notre Dame is a program currently in a state of significant transition. If Clausen had chosen to return to Notre Dame next year he would have to learn a new system under a new coach. This would be a stark contrast to the relationship he had with the recently fired Charlie Weis. Also, Notre Dame will likely have to replace three starters along the offensive line next season. It is hard to imagine Clausen having a more productive senior season with a new coach, new system and re-built offensive line.

2. Nothing more to accomplish: Unlike most quarterbacks, Clausen has gained a wealth of experience in just three years of college football. Since making his debut in the first game of the 2007 season, Clausen has gone on to make 34 starts. In that time he has proved to be a remarkably accurate quarterback who rarely makes mental errors. He finished this season ranked second in the nation in passing efficiency. Additionally, this year Clausen has shown toughness in his ability to play with injury (turf toe) and leadership in his ability to lead the Fighting Irish to multiple fourth-quarter comeback victories.

3. There could be a Rookie Wage Scale in 2011: As NFL players and owners begin to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a wage scale curbing the value of rookie contracts could be on the horizon in 2011. This year there could very well be an influx in the number of players giving up their final year of college eligibility in order to enter the NFL draft before that wage scale is enacted. As a potential first-round pick, Clausen surely understands that the #9 overall pick in 2010 will get a more valuable contract than the same pick in 2011 (or even a higher one).

Zavodnyik’s Take: Clausen is one of college football’s most accurate and intelligent quarterbacks. He will likely be one of the first three quarterbacks taken in the upcoming draft. With so much uncertainty at Notre Dame, this was probably an easy decision for Clausen and his family.

Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information

RADIO: Coaches Corner With Mark Richt

Mark Richt took over the Georgia Bulldogs and has posted in 82-22 record over the last eight seasons giving him the fourth best winning percentage (.788) among active head coaches. The Dawgs have reached the 10-win plateau and finished in the top 10 in six of the last seven seasons, which included a pair of SEC Championships (2002 & 2005). Richt (15 years as an assistant at Florida St.) has tutored eight quarterbacks who have gone on to the NFL and has seen 40 Georgia Bulldogs drafted by the NFL since 2002. He talks to All Access Football about future picks QB Matthew Stafford, RB Knowshon Moreno, DT Corvey Irvin and LB Dannell Ellerbe (among others), as well as the Bulldogs’ recruiting Class of 2009, which was ranked ninth overall by Rivals.com.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Hosted By College Football Insiders Founder & NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Q&A: Aaron Maybin, Penn St. - Walter Camp On Location

Penn St. All-American Aaron Maybin sits down with All-Access Football Radio
at the Yale University Commons in New Haven prior to the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner on January 17, 2009.

You had a break out season, what does it mean to be a Walter Camp All-American?

Maybin: It means a whole lot. It’s been a good year and a good career. I’ve really enjoyed myself at this wonderful event. I’ve had a chance to meet a whole lot of people and make some good connections, so overall it’s been a very good experience.

How tough of a decision was it to declare for the draft?

Maybin: It was a very tough decision. I had to do a lot of praying and consulting with my family and people who were very close to the situation who gave me a pretty good description of where I would go in the draft. It was probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I think in the end I was able to make a very smart decision – the best decision for me and my family.

What are you hearing from the people in the league, what type of grade are you hearing from them?

Maybin: I haven’t really disclosed what that grade was. But it was something that definitely I felt was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Of course nothing is guaranteed in this league, but it was something that gave me the confidence to make sure that this was a good decision for me.

It was good enough for you to make the decision, so it was a positive one?

Maybin: Very positive.

Did you talk to your teammate Maurice Evans about declaring for the draft?

Maybin: I tried to really stay out of his process as much as possible so that he could make a very sound decision for himself, but I tried to talk to him as much as I could just to lend support and provide a support system for him if he needed any help gathering information or just talking to certain people to make sure he made the right decision for himself.

Did you speak to former Penn State corner Justin King who declared last season or any other guys in the league about coming out early?

Maybin: Yeah I basically talked to as many guys that were at Penn State that have gone on to the league as possible and really talked to them about their experiences; what the highs and lows were and what were some of the good things and bad things they encountered during their time. It really helped me out a lot as far as making my decision.

If you were sitting down with an NFL scout or GM and they wanted to know what you could bring to their team, what would you say?

Maybin: They’re going to get a tireless worker. They’re going to get somebody that will come in every day and bust my butt for their team. I’m going to bring my hard hat to work and going to work extremely hard; I’m a guy that plays with everything I have inside me and it’s something that has been in me since I started playing the game. I absolutely love the game and I am very passionate about it. That’s just something I play with; it’s something that was instilled in me when I was younger. So they are going to get somebody that is going to give 110 percent of everything that he has to that program and is going to do anything possible to make sure that he helps to bring a lot of victories and a lot of success.

Have you selected an agent yet and have you started the workout process?

Maybin: I have started the workout process; I haven’t yet declared who my agent is going to be. I’m still in the process of narrowing some things down with that. But right now, as far as my mindset, I’m training, working out several times a day at a spot in Pennsylvania. I’m really getting the most out of my workouts; everything has been going extremely well and I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve made so far. Really I’m just waking up every day trying to get better, trying to learn as much as possible, and trying to make sure by the time the draft comes around I’m prepared to bring everything the team needs to the table that looks to draft me.

What’s something that you look to work on the most? In terms of becoming a better football player and preparing for the combine.

Maybin: I’m preparing for the combine, preparing to make sure that I turn in an all around performance, something that opens up a lot of eyes and proves to everybody that I’m the type of player that a team would want to spend a high draft pick on. Overall, I’m just trying to make sure that I’m as complete a player as I can be. I want to make sure I leave no doubt and make sure that everybody that has a chance to watch me, whether that be on film or in person at my workouts, that they’re confident that I’m the type of player that can really help turn a franchise around.

Any sneak peak as to what kind of measurables you can put up, what kind of vertical, 40 time, or bench press?

Maybin: Not going to get that out of me. It’s going to be a big surprise, but I’m going to say this – I’m working really hard and I’m looking to open up a whole lot of eyes with the performance I put out.

Tell me what it's like to play for Joe Paterno.

Maybin: It’s been a wonderful experience. Joe is the type of guy where everyday you’re learning something. He’s the type of guy that has helped to shape me as a man and as a player, and he teaches you a lot and he really helps to build you up as a man and a guy in society where you can really be successful in any and every endeavor that you pursue. I’m really thankful to Joe for the lessons he’s taught me and the type of man he’s helped to make me into.

What do you like to do in your off time?

Maybin: I really enjoy relaxing and spending time with my family. I enjoy going to the movies and sitting down and working on some artwork because I do have the artistic bug in me.

What is your favorite movie?

Maybin: My favorite movie of all time would have to be Gladiator.

What type of artist are you?

Maybin: I’m into painting and drawing. Pretty much anything that catches my eye I like to pursue and just try to fine tune my skills a little.

If you do put up a stellar performance at the combine I want you to look up to the scouts and say, “Are you not entertained?”

Maybin: (Laughs)

Can you do that for us?

Maybin: I can definitely do that for you…

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Penn St.)

Decision Time: WR Brandon LaFell, LSU

LSU wide out Brandon LaFell has pulled out of the 2009 NFL Draft and will instead return to LSU for his senior season. All underclassman who declared and did not sign with an agent had 72 hours following the Thursday deadline to declare. He has 118 career receptions for 1,725 yards and 18 touchdowns, including 63 receptions for 929 yards and a SEC-leading eight touchdowns this past season. “We are extremely excited to have Brandon returning to the LSU football team for his senior season,” head coach Les Miles said on Sunday. “We were going to support him no matter what decision he made. We tried to give Brandon as much information as we could to help him with this decision, but ultimately it was a decision that Brandon and his family had to make. The news of Brandon coming back to school is big for our football team. His contributions to our football program have been very significant and I’m glad we are going to get another year with him.”

Mancini's Take: It sounds as though LaFell wanted to get a feel of where he was going to be drafted more than anything. What really baffles me here is that the LSU standout was ranked fifth among receivers entering the draft by a number of different services, making him second-round pick at worst. I think that LaFell can be faster version of Dwayne Bowe right now. Maybe LaFell thinks he can do better than that. This is a big roll of the dice, but one that can come up snake eyes.

Mandel's Take: Yeah, Rev--his hands were a problem this season, and might be why he--ahem--LaFell down the draft boards. He was wise to avoid hiring an agent and with his speed and size, all he needs to do is show the NFL scouts that his drops are a thing of the past. If he does so, he'll be a late first round pick after 2009.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Football Friday Show!

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL FRIDAY SHOW! JANUARY 16th, 2008 * 6:00-8:00 PM EST

Every Friday Night on the All Access Football Radio Channel, in affiliation with Blog Talk Radio.

The Two Hour show will be hosted by Rodney Towe with analysts Daniel Mogollon (College Football Insiders Founder/NFL Draft Bible President) and NFL Draft BibleCFI Senior Writer Ralph Mancini

What's On Tap:
• Special Guest LAMARR WOODLEY of the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Author JEFF PERLMAN Talks Dallas Cowboys - "Boys Will Be Boys"
• Draft Guys CECIL LAMMEY & SIGMUND BLOOM call in from the East/West Shrine Game
• More NFL Draft coverage: The underclassmen have made their decisions and we weigh in with a fantasy spin and unveil our top 10 for the 2009 Draft.
• Impact & Analysis on the Coaching Carousel, Decision Time on key players, Championship Game Previews, NFL Hot Topics & More!

LISTEN HERE

*Join our chat-room or call-in with your questions: 347.945.6275

*Missed It Live? Shows are archived 15 minutes upon conclusion of each episode here

USC QB Decides to Declare

According to several reports, Mark Sanchez of USC will declare for the NFL Draft on Thursday, the final day draft eligible college underclassman could file for early entry. Sanchez, who was in his first year as a full-time starter, completed 65.8 percent of his passes for his 3,207 yards and 34 touchdowns as a junior, including a breakout performance on the national stage in the Rose Bowl against Penn St. Against the Nittany Lions the California native completed 28-of-35 passes for a career-high 413 yards and four touchdowns (no interceptions).

With Sanchez’s decision to leave coming on the heels of Sam Bradford announcing he would return to Oklahoma, the quarterback position is finally settled in terms of who will be available for signal caller starved clubs such as the Detroit Lions, who own the number one over pick. Sanchez joins Georgia’s Matthew Stafford, Ball St.’s Nate Davis and Josh Freeman of Kansas St. as junior quarterbacks that have declared for the 2009 Draft. Do not be surprised if they are the first four quarterbacks off the board come April, with Sanchez potentially challenging Stafford as the top prospect at the position.

Photo Credit: Kathe Osborne (USC)

Boomer Sooners Say Later to the NFL

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has decided he will play at least one more season in Norman. Many had Bradford slotted as a sure-fire top five pick, if not the number one overall choice. However, at the Heisman Trophy presentation Oklahoma headman Bob Stoops told the NFL Draft Bible that anyone who believes Bradford is a consensus top five pick wasn’t talking to the same NFL people he was.

"I've dreamed about playing at Oklahoma since I was little,” Bradford said earlier today at a press conference. “My three years here have been probably three of the best years of my life, and I really feel that there's no need to cut this experience short."

Bradford threw for 4,721 yards and 50 touchdown passes while completing 67.9 percent of his passes on his way to the Heisman Trophy. Bradford, 21, was a red-shirt sophomore. Perhaps making his decision to stay an easier one is the fact he will have tight end Jermaine Gresham to throw to and offensive tackle Trent Williams to block for him. Gresham and Williams were both juniors, who many believed would forgo their finals season in Norman for an NFL payday. Gresham, the 6’6/261 pound tight end caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 scores, while many believed the 6’5 Williams had a better season than either left tackle Phil Loadholt or left guard Duke Robinson – a pair of potential day one selections.

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

Decision Time: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

By KENNY FRANEK

Why Crabtree made the right decision to come out:

1. A "sure" bet:Crabtree had the best hands in all of college football. In his two years as a starter at Texas Tech, he amassed an astounding 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns. That’s an average of over 115 receptions, 1,563 yards, and 20 touchdowns per season. Those scary stats alone tell you to go to the NFL while you have had minor injuries (mainly a sprained right ankle this year) and you are at the top of your game.

2. Nothing left to prove: Crabtree has already won numerous awards. These include: unanimous 2007 and 2008 First-Team All-America honors; 2007 and 2008 Biletnikoff Award winner, which is given to the nation’s best wide receiver (in 2007 he was the first freshman and Big 12 player to win the award); and he also won the Paul Warfield Trophy. On top of that, he set Big 12 and NCAA freshman records by leading the nation with 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2007. The only possible thing left to do in college for Crabtree would be to win a national championship. That would not be likely if he chose to stay for two key reasons: Graham Harrell will no longer be there, instead he will be playing on Sundays; and teams like Florida, USC, and Texas will likely be the front runners yet again next year (especially with the announced return of Tim Tebow at Florida).

3. Bigger is better: Not only will Crabtree's spectacular set of hands be admired by many NFL teams, his size will as well. Listed as 6'3" and 214 lbs. Crabtree has the size all quarterbacks in the league covet. Many of the elite wideouts in the NFL stand taller than 6'2", including Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Calvin Johnson to name a few. Although he will not do his physical testing at the Combine, he will do it during his pro day in Dallas. He has great speed for a wideout his size which makes him even more appealing to NFL scouts. Even if his 40 time is not "astonishing", his size, route running ability, and hands will no doubt make him the first receiver taken in the 2009 draft.

Franek's Take: Even though Crabtree is just a red-shirt sophomore his decision to depart was a no-brainer. No one was more of slam dunk to leave early for the NFL.

Photo Credit: Texas Tech Athletics/Norvelle Kennedy

Breaking News: Allen Leaves the Dawg House

ATHENS, Ga. --- University of Georgia junior cornerback Asher Allen announced on Tuesday afternoon that he will be entering the 2009 NFL Draft.

“This was the hardest decision of my life because of my love and respect for Georgia and everyone who is affiliated with Georgia, including the fans, my teammates, my coaches, the academic staff and everyone else ,” Allen said. “I have been chasing this dream of playing in the NFL and after making this decision with my family, I feel like I am ready for this next step. But I owe everyone the world who has helped me out during my time at Georgia.”

Allen, a 5-10, 198-pound native of Tucker, Ga., started all 13 games this past season for the 10th-ranked Bulldogs and ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 53. Also, he led the team with seven pass breakups and had one fumble recovery.

His final game as a Bulldog resulted in a team-high nine solo tackles, including one sack, during Georgia’s 24-12 win over #19 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 1.

Allen was one of 13 semifinalists for the 2008 Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top defensive back. He was also named to Phil Steele’s 2008 All-Southeastern Conference Third Team.

In 2007, Allen finished second on the team in tackles with 64. Overall, Allen started the past 24 games at Georgia. He finished with 141 tackles (114 solo, 27 asst.) and three interceptions, including two against #10 Hawaii in the 2008 Sugar Bowl, in his career. Allen excelled as a kick returner too, setting a school record with 28 returns for 690 yards in 2007.

“Asher Allen has been a great part of our football team as well as our overall athletic program over the past three years,” head coach Mark Richt said. “We will certainly miss him, however we wish him the very best in the NFL draft and with his professional football aspirations in the future.”

Allen joins quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno as Bulldog underclassmen entering the 2009 NFL draft.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Decision Time: RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

By RALPH MANCINI

Why Moreno made the right decision to come out:

1. Outshining the competition: The 5’11”, 207-pound Moreno has been blessed with impressive speed--his 40 time has been clocked in the low 4.4s. He also has an intoxicating cocktail of toughness, athleticism, vision and running instincts that allow him to immediately hit the hole with the explosiveness of a panther chasing its prey.

2. More than just a speed back: Moreno isn’t exactly the type of ball carrier who’ll go down at first contact. In fact, the New Jersey native can often be seen gaining extra yardage by running through tackles before being finally brought down by a host of defenders.

3. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound: Moreno never gives up on a play. He will literally jump over would-be tacklers and continue running downfield when there’s no place to go.

4. “He’s my quarterback!”: No, we’re not talking about Tony Romo, but rather Moreno’s teammate Matthew Stafford, who has also declared early for the NFL Draft. The running back’s chances of winning a national title will be greatly diminished next season without the presence of his rocket-armed quarterback, who put up excellent numbers despite playing behind a shaky offensive line.

The Reverend’s Take: The All-American and first-team All-SEC performer already has the necessary attributes to make him a promising runner at the next level, including the ability to catch the ball and the durability to be a workhorse back. But aside from all his physical gifts, Moreno is mature enough to understand that he must still master other aspects of the game once he becomes a pro, such as run blocking and reading defenses. The former Bulldog’s enthusiasm, work ethic and talent should make him a fan favorite for years to come.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Decision Time: RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio St.

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Why Wells made the right decision to come out:

1. Durability Question – Wells’ durability question is in question as it stands now. What happens if Wells goes down again next year for a few weeks? The benefits of staying in college one more year are trumped by the potential of losing millions of dollars should he fall out of the first round due to injury concerns.

2. Already a First-round projection – Say what you will about leaving college early and not finishing your degree, but how many opportunities does one have to make millions for doing what they love? You can always go back to college, but you can’t undo a career-altering injury.

3. The keys of the offense are in Pryor’s hands…in the spread – Unfortunately for Wells, the emergence of dual-threat freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor has shifted the playbook to a more open set, shotgun, or plays for Pryor to make with his legs. Wells would be much more successful running out of the eye – is Todd Boeckmann qualifying for his seventh year?

Sears' Take: Wells has already declared for the NFL draft and rightfully so. He has three years of mileage on his treads at a position where maybe less is more. He is a proven, tough commodity, who already slots into a pro-style offense. A sure fire first round pick has little to prove at the college level and even less in terms of room to improve his draft stock.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Decision Time: DE Corey Wootton, Northwestern

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Why Wootton Should Play on Saturdays:

1. Recovery from his knee injury in the Alamo Bowl – Wootton’s success came crashing down on a freak play during the Alamo Bowl as his knee seemingly folded without contact while he pursued quarterback Chase Daniel. Full details of his injury have not yet been disclosed, but this certainly raises huge concern for a potential NFL team. Wootton needs time to recover.

2. One more year to develop physically – Wootton is considered a raw talent with the physical gifts to make most NFL teams drool – size and speed (6’7”, 270 lbs). With his size, a bit more polish will help Wootton develop in to a splendid strong-side end if he can demonstrate better pass defense capabilities. Right now, he stands as a work-in-progress pass rusher until he develops further.

3. Northwestern’s on the rise – The Wildcats were a few breaks away from solidifying the best season in the history of their program with a win in the Alamo Bowl versus Missouri. Has the team peaked in its short experience with Pat Fitzgerald as head coach? Probably not, and football is much more fun when you are winning.

Why Wootton Should Play on Sundays in 2009:

1. Northwestern will be depleted on offense – The Wildcats will hit the reset button on offense, losing their quarterback, running back and receiving corps. This could spell disaster for the 2009 season and may strain the defense’s ability to be successful as they will face increased pressure to carry the team while (likely) being on the field longer.

2. Big year, time to go – Wootton came off a tremendously successful season, adding a Big Ten Second Team award to his resume. He finished fourth in the Big Ten in sacks with 10 and sixth in tackles-for-loss (16).

3. He may not be the same after his knee injury – Wootton’s injury may be serious. If so, his best bet for an NFL payoff would be to take this time rehabbing and hope a team takes a chance on him, rather than running of the risk of a hobbled return to Northwestern.

Sears’s Take: Wootton’s injury came at the worst possible time – just as he was tidying up a wonderful regular season and demonstrating pro-like abilities in the bowl game. Even without the injury, the word on the street was that he was being asked to return in order to develop a bit more physically. Statistically, he has improved on a yearly basis, but one more season of consistency could solidify him as an early-round selection in 2010.

GEORGIA DUO DECLARE

Georgia QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno confirmed at a 3PM press conference Wednesday that they will enter the 2009 draft.

Ross Mandel's Take: Stafford sees what everyone else sees--a very weak QB draft class. He's striking while the iron is hot. He played very well in his bowl game, much better than Moreno. Both of these now former Bulldogs will hear their names called early in round one. Stafford could very well hear his called first overall. Talk to me Rev, Stafford or Bradford?

Ralph Mancini's Take: Honestly, Ross man, I like both of them very much. But when you strip down both players and examine their raw skills, Stafford clearly has the better arm. He can also put good touch on his throws when he needs to. An overlooked trait that's rarely talked about in quarterbacks is their ability to throw a catchable ball. The Georgia Bulldog can certainly do that if he's afforded the proper protection by his offensive line, which has often not been the case this season and has led to some ill-advised passes on the part of Stafford.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Beanie Buckeye Declares!

Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells announced Thursday that he will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

"I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, my teachers and the academic advisors for all they have done, and I definitely want to thank the Buckeye fans for all their support, Wells said in a statement. Ohio State has become like a family to me, and it will always be that way. But in the best interest of my family, it's time to move on and take a chance at fulfilling my lifetime dream of playing in the NFL."

He will spend next week training for the NFL Combine at D1 Sports Training in Nashville, which is co-owned by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. One of Wells advisers contacted D1 Sports president and CEO Will Bartholomew on Thursday morning about having the running back train there, according to corporate public relations director Matt Toy.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Decision Time: OT Eben Britton

By ANDREW GARDA - PAC-10 INSIDER

Why Britton made the right decision to come out

1. On top of his game: While the 6’5”, 310-pounder is leaving a Wildcat team that could be on the verge of becoming a contender in the Pac-10, there is very little left for him to do or prove. Britton had a solid season – he ended up on the 2008 All-Pac 10 Conference First Team a year after he was named to the second team. He has been a part of the best offensive line that Arizona has had in some time and ended up with an iron-man like 37 consecutive starts at tackle. He’s an outstanding pass blocker with very good balance and footwork, and is also pretty solid in the run game.

2. Why Risk it: With Tuitama leaving, there is a chance this offense could take a step back and Britton’s stock would take a dip if it does. So while he could always get a little out of another year, the reward doesn’t outweigh the risk. There is also the possibility of an injury that should not be discounted.

3. Power Vacuum: One of the biggest stories of the 2008 Draft was the tremendous number of offensive linemen taken in round one. Many of those linemen had a positive impact for the teams that drafted them in their first season – Jake Long in Miami, Ryan Clady in Denver, Sam Baker in Atlanta before his injury, and Gosder Cherilus in Detroit. As we all know, NFL teams will follow trends and while they won’t gorge themselves like they did last season, teams will likely look to fill the positions early. Britton will likely find himself drafted earlier than he might have been in another year by a team in need of a solid offensive tackle. He’s good enough to be drafted on the first day either way, but there’s a good chance he’ll get taken in the first by a team not wanting to risk missing out in another year of top end linemen.

Garda’s Take: Clearly given the title here, I think Britton is making a fine decision by leaving Arizona a year early. He’s received accolades from the coaches within his own conference as well as the scouting community. With a constant hunger for good, pass blocking linemen in the NFL, Britton is poised to be drafted in a good spot, perhaps better than he might even have been able to do had he waited a year and worked on his game.

Decision Time: OT Andre Smith, Alabama

By RALPH MANCINI

Why Smith made the right decision to come out

1. Leader of the pack - At this point, there’s no doubt that Smith will be the first offensive lineman taken off the board. His physical skills and the high demand for left tackles in the NFL should make Smith a surefire top-5 selection this April.

2. Ready to dominate - There’s a reason why the 6’5”, 340-pound road grater has received just about every award or honor an offensive lineman can lay claim to. In addition to possessing the raw strength to blow people off the ball, Smith is versatile enough to play at both the guard and tackle positions. The ‘Bama native’s technique and quick feet make him a natural at just about any spot along the offensive front.

3. Toughness personified - Smith has the requisite confidence and nasty disposition that will go a long way toward injecting new life into an ailing line.

The Reverend’s Take: Although Smith’s recent suspension for improper contact with an agent casts some doubt on his character, this year’s Outland Trophy winner has been an exemplary teammate and leader for the Tide throughout his collegiate career. His consistent play should alleviate concerns about Smith’s commitment to the game of football. While he may not be as polished as some other recently-drafted players at his position, Smith’s athleticism gives him the tantalizing upside that several teams will be looking to tap into.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Alabama)

College Stars Declare

OT ANDRE SMITH, ALABAMA
Alabama LT Andre Smith will forgo his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

Ross Mandel's Take: No surprise here. When you're projected as a top-3 pick, you almost have to come out. Is he too slow to deal with the quicker edge rushers in the NFL? Some people think so. I'm not one of them. This guy is a manster (all respect to Dan Hampton) in the making and should be a mainstay in whatever lineup he's in. If Matthew Stafford and Sam Bradford come out, he could go to Kansas City...assuming they have a GM by the draft. Rev--talk to me about the big man!

Ralph Mancini's Take: Smith has the size, strength and agility that make him worthy of being the first offensive lineman taken off the board. The big guy has great feet that allows him to maintain balance on the move.

RB DONALD BROWN, CONNECTICUT
Connecticut RB Donald Brown announced that he will forgo his senior season in school and enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

Ross Mandel's Take: It may be East Coast bias, but I love this kid's pro prospects. I know he's not the fastest back around, but he's got quickness and runs like a pro already. The team that takes him will be getting a solid NFL running back.

Ralph Mancini's Take: Brown clearly has nothing left to prove at the collegiate level. The UCONN product isn't only big enough to run up the gut and break tackles, but he's an explosive back, who can take it all the way once he gets passed the first level. Brown has the tools to be a magnificent NFL player.

LB GERALD MCRATH, SOUTHERN MISS
Southern Miss LB Gerald McRath will forgo his senior season in college and enter the 2009 NFL Draft. At middle linebacker in the Golden Eagles' 4-3 defense, McRath led the team with 137 tackles as a junior. The next closest on the team had only 84. McRath also chipped in 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 9.5 tackles for loss.

Ross Mandel's Take: His tackle total is impressive, but he's not going to play inside in the pros. If he has a poor 40-time, he'll wish he never declared.

Ralph Mancini's Take: Although a bit undersized at 220 pounds, McGrath is masterful at reading what's in front of him and quickly attacking ball carriers by always being in the right position to make a play and taking the proper angles. McGrath could be a terrific run-stuffer behind a big pocket-pushing defensive line.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media